Arunachal Pradesh: Namdapha National Park and Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary designated as eco-sensitive zones

Namdapha National Park & Tiger Reserve and Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary & Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh have been designated as Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ) by the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC). Situated in Changlang and Lohit districts, if reports are to go by this new designation will strengthen conservation efforts for these two reserves, and are noted for their distinctive landscapes and rich biodiversity.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced this development in the microblogging site X, expressing his delight at the declaration. He added that he was delighted to share that @moefcc has declared Namdapha National Park & Tiger Reserve (Changlang district) and Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary & Tiger Reserve (Lohit district) as Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ).

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The Chief Minister also informed that earlier in February 2024, Pakke Tiger Reserve was included in the same ESZ category. He explains that such destinations open the door for targeted conservation efforts, which are essential for protecting rare plant and animal species and ensure the sustainability of the environment and the balance of ecosystems.

The said designation attempts to safeguard regions where climate change and human activities may have had an impact on ecosystems, right next to protected zones. By providing additional protection to the core sections of the reserves, these environmentally sensitive areas function as buffer zones, ensuring that conservation efforts continue beyond the boundaries of protected lands.

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Namdapha Tiger Reserve, originally designated as a reserve forest, was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1972 under the Assam Forest Regulation. It became a National Park in 1983 and later a Tiger Reserve under the Project Tiger Scheme, further establishing its status as a key conservation site in India. It is home to a range of rare and endangered species, including clouded leopards and red pandas.

The Kamlang River flows through the Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary, which gets its name from the equally varied flora and species that inhabit there. The sanctuary is crucial for the protection of species like the Hoolock gibbon and hornbills, making it a key site for biodiversity conservation in the region.

Both reserves will now have more protection thanks to the ESZ classification, which will support sustainable development while preserving these essential habitats.